How to Inspect, Maintain and Report Damaged Hand Tools as an Electrical Apprentice

Check each tool before you use it, and stop using any tool that is damaged. OSHA rule 29 CFR 1926.300(a) says all hand and power tools, whether the employer or the employee furnishes them, shall be maintained in a safe condition. Rule 1926.301 names what to look for: sprung wrench jaws, mushroomed heads and cracked or loose handles. Tell your foreman about a damaged company tool, and replace or repair your own.

Checked against official program and agency pages on October 16, 2026. Rules differ by program and employer, so your own program's documents come first.

What OSHA lists for hand tools

Unsafe tools are not allowed. “Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools.” (1926.301(a))
Wrenches. Adjustable, pipe, end and socket wrenches shall not be used when the jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs. (1926.301(b))
Impact tools. Drift pins, wedges and chisels shall be kept free of mushroomed heads. (1926.301(c))
Wooden handles. Keep them free of splinters or cracks, and tight in the tool. (1926.301(d))

Your program also makes your own tools your job: North Texas JATC says apprentices “supply and maintain” their tools. South Texas JATC says work boots must be maintained and in good repair.

Free tool: before-use check

Run this before you start. Nothing is saved, and it clears when you close the page.

Hand tools

Wrench jaws close without slipping.
Chisels, punches and drift pins have no mushroomed heads.
Wooden handles have no splinters or cracks, and the head is tight.
No hand tool I found unsafe is in use.

If something fails

I stopped using the tool.
I told my foreman, or set my own tool aside to repair or replace.
I followed my company's way of marking a tool out of service.

For power tools, follow your employer training and the tool maker's manual. Training on site comes first.

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Sources

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.300, Tools: general requirements
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.301, Hand tools
North Texas Electrical JATC, Statement of Policy (effective September 1, 2026)
South Texas Electrical JATC, Rules and Policies, Inside Wireman (rev. 12/30/2025)

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